Golf Club Fitting

Titleist Golf Club Trial

The full-set Titleist Golf Club Trial program provides golfers with an easy way to experience Titleist products on either the course or practice tee to help determine the right equipment for their game.

Getting paired with players who won't shut up!

I understand what you are saying PDADoc, I usually play alone in the early morning just as the course opens. I can get in a round in 3 hours or less and continue on with my day afterwards ... that doesn't mean I don't enjoy playing with others. I have met a lot of interesting people, in fact, one morning I met a man who was travelling through 3 States in our area. He is trying to play golf in every State, at the time he played with me, he had only 9 States to go. While it was interesting to talk with him through the round, we were both quiet when it was the other persons time to hit ... our pre-shot routine was basically a practice swing, then hit.

There are a few golfers at our course who feel the social aspect is more important than the golf .... personally I feel that while someone is hitting, or getting ready to putt, you should observe silence. I asked our Pro if ear plugs were legally accepted, he said as long as you weren't getting advice via an MP3 player etc, ear plugs are fine. Now when I golf with these "social golfers" I explain to them I have a hard time concentrating so I need to put the ear plugs in while I'm hitting ... they seem to be fine with that (they get to keep talking) and after I hit I can remove the plugs and socialize until my next shot :)

I keep the ear plugs in my golf bag, you can get like 25 pair of disposable plugs for $7.

Etiquette is important, but sometimes you need to show as much (or more) as expect it :)

I was paired up with someone like that in a tournament once, and I would agree that its very obnoxious. One thing that you can do is when you want them to shut up, just say something like "Yeah, just hang on one sec," and they will usually let you hit your shot. The only problem is once the ball leaves your clubface they just start chattering again. Its a subtle way to stop them from talking during your shot, but to get them to shut up completely you're going to have to be a little bit more sharp.

We golfers tend to be a rather courteous. Even if someone is talkative, they should have the good sense to shut up and let you focus on your shot. Even then, if you tell someone that your not in a conversational mood, they should respect that. Otherwise, you just have to learn to deal with all types when you take "pot luck" at a course. Having said allof that, learning to play with distractions is good for your game, in the long run. Learn to focus better on what you are doing and block out the rest.

I played yesterday with an old friend who I have known since Jr. High School. We were playing in a scramble with two other players and we are both talkers. They key is when to not to talk. Golf is a social game and if you think you can play without any social communication you are in a lot of trouble. You should join the Doc in just playing by your self and imagine you are "The Hawk" or some other golfer that feels that complete silence is the key to better golf. Anyway, we had a great time and we played good golf and laughed and talked through out the round. I cannot remember since I had a more enjoyable round. I think most golfers can sense when to shut up and when it's OK to talk. Just don't pair me with three mutes or three players who were raised in a mausoleum.

I don't think you're wrong on any count PDA. You take your game serious and others should respect your playing style. I enjoy playing golf solo as well. I play a 9 holer that's a good practice track and most of the golfers use the course for practice and play alone. I like the quiet and being able to spend time on a shot, its enjoyable, I'll play 9 and not even take down scores, then play another 9 or even 18 sometimes for score. When I play competitive you would have a hard time getting me to chat much. You might consider looking for a partner with similar playing style. I found one who plays a serious game, we are both running about the same scores so we get together a couple times a week just for a practice game. I couldn't tell you anything about the guy other than he has a solid technical swing, plays center cut, misses a lot of greens but can scramble a par like a pro after a miss, putts above average. Now, once I put the bag away, I'll yak it up with anyone.

This stinks I agree. The only thing worse than Chatty Kathys is players who dip (chew tobacco) while golfing. If you think talking is bad, try listening to guys spit every 4 seconds while your setting up to the ball.

Regarding the rangefinder situation, I agree this stinks also. I'm frugal with yardages on par 3 tees, but if it's anywhere else I don't help out those who don't understand the value in having one.... females being an exception, as most of them are often learning their distances where as a male with years of playing experience should know by now.

This stinks I agree. The only thing worse than Chatty Kathys is players who dip (chew tobacco) while golfing. If you think talking is bad, try listening to guys spit every 4 seconds while your setting up to the ball.

Regarding the rangefinder situation, I agree this stinks also. I'm frugal with yardages on par 3 tees, but if it's anywhere else I don't help out those who don't understand the value in having one.... females being an exception, as most of them are often learning their distances where as a male with years of playing experience should know by now.

You make a good point. I find that golfers who chew sunflower seeds and then spit them out on the green is one of the most disgusting repulsive things I encounter while playing golf. This and not raking bunkers are the two worst things I see from slob golfers.